Incoming Grantees

Welcome

Congratulations on your selection as a Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (BSMP) scholarship recipient! It is IIE’s distinct pleasure to welcome you to the United States and assist you throughout your program.
For the most up-to-date and essential information regarding what to do before you leave Brazil and begin the program, refer to the BSMP Student Handbook. Further information and packing lists can also be found in the handbook.

Webinar Links

Welcome Webinar for Fall 2015 Academic Students

If you've missed the Welcome Webinar session or would like to re-visit the presentation, click below to access the slides. Also, feel free to reach out to your Student Relations Officer (SRO) with any additional questions or concerns.

Orientation Webinars

IIE provides two required webinars for incoming Brazil Scientific Mobility Program students. Students are required to attend one Pre-Departure Orientation webinar as well as one Welcome Orientation webinar.

Pre-Departure Orientation Webinars present information related to students' entry to the US, and instructions relevant to students' arrival at their schools.

Welcome Orientation Webinars provide information on BSMP policies in order to help students understand and benefit most from their scholarships.

What should I do before I leave Brazil?

As you prepare to leave Brazil, make sure you review the following checklist. It will help you secure a smooth procedure between departure from Brazil and initial arrival in the U.S.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Obtain or update your passport so it is valid for at least 6 (six) months beyond the duration of your Form DS-2019.

Obtain your original Form DS-2019 from IIE.

Apply for a J-1 exchange visitor entry visa.

Attend your interview for a J-1 exchange visitor visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Complete any necessary medical and dental work done in Brazil prior to your departure. Obtain necessary immunization requirements of your U.S. host institution prior to arriving in the U.S. Please contact your International Student Advisor or host institution’s health center if you have further questions.

Purchase international airline tickets with final U.S. destination as noted in your TOA.

Purchase traveler’s checks and bring a small amount of U.S. currency with you. Arrange transportation from the airport to your U.S. host institution.

Inquire about any orientation programs that have been planned for international students by your host institution.

Do not pay housing application fees or deposits with personal funds as you will not be reimbursed. Request that all housing application fees and deposit invoice be sent to IIE directly.

What To Pack

In addition to the normal items you would pack for a year abroad, there are additional items that will be beneficial to include:

An official up-to-date transcript of your studies in Brazil (along with official English translation).

Your current driver’s license or international driver’s license.

Your birth certificate.

Your medical and dental records, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

A year’s supply of medication(s) for any pre-existing health conditions. Prescriptions from abroad cannot be filled in the United States. It is also a good idea to have your current doctor provide you with a description of the prescription medicine(s) you take. You can then use this information to consult with a U.S. doctor for a prescription that can be filled in the United States.

An extra pair of eyeglasses or supply of contact lenses.

Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you were previously issued one.

A credit card with lesser fees for international transactions; international students may face a long wait applying for credit cards in the U.S.

Slides, photographs, maps, books, traditional clothing, or other cultural artifacts/objects of your home country which can be used in informal talks that you may be invited to give on and off campus.

Important Note: It is probably wise to omit most household items such as linens and cooking utensils because they can be purchased in the U.S. at a reasonable cost.